2027: Rivers Elders Back Wike’s Bid For Tinubu

The Rivers Elders Council has thrown its weight behind the political movement spearheaded by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, aimed at securing the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The endorsement was made on Tuesday when the Council formally keyed into the Renewed Hope Family initiative during Wike’s “thank you” visit to Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Rivers Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, said the initiative, popularly known as the Rainbow Coalition, has brought together members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State to ensure Tinubu’s return for a second term in 2027.

The 86-year-old elder statesman described Wike’s Renewed Hope Family as “the way to go in 2027,” citing the gains Rivers State has recorded since supporting Tinubu’s presidential bid in 2023.

According to him, the decision by Rivers people to vote for Tinubu in 2023 was critical to the stability of the state.

Alabraba described Wike as an “icon” of contemporary Nigerian politics, praising his pragmatic political style and astute leadership, which he said continue to inspire both the old and the young.

He further noted that Rivers State is a multi-ethnic state and credited it to Wike for ensuring ethnic harmony during his tenure as governor.

“Let me assure you, Rivers people know where to go, and the Renewed Hope Agenda is the way to go in 2027,” he said.

Also speaking, the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Major Jack, commended Wike for the numerous developmental projects executed in the area during his tenure as Governor.

“We followed you to support Tinubu, and today we are enjoying the fruits of that decision, and we will do the same in 2027,” he said.

Similarly, the member representing Akuku-Toru in the State Assembly, Mr. Lolo Opuende, declared that the people of the area will take political directives from Wike.

“In 2027, we will stand by you and support your Renewed Hope Family to return Tinubu for a second term,” he said.

The Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Council, Mr. Aboiya-a Bob-Fubara, commended Wike for his humility, statesmanship, and commitment to inclusive governance.

Bob-Fubara said the minister’s visit would further strengthen leadership and governance at the grassroots level.

He assured Wike of the council’s continued support and loyalty, adding that working with him would bring the much-needed prosperity to the local government and Rivers State at large.

In his remarks, the minister of FCT, Dr Nyesom Wike, explained that the visit was to appreciate the people for their consistent support since 2014, when he declared his intention to contest the governorship of Rivers State.

He also thanked the people of Akuku-Toru for keying into the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election, irrespective of party affiliation.

“This is the only state where the two major political parties are working together to return Tinubu in 2027.”

“This Rainbow Coalition is not in any state other than Rivers, and that is why we are no longer talking about party politics but Renewed Hope,” he said.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji